Mexico arrests alleged major leader of Jalisco cartel
Rafael Alvarez, alias 'R2', was captured with intelligence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mexico authorities have announced the arrest of Rafael Alvarez, a key leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on Sunday. The CJNG, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government in 2025, is notorious for its violent methods and confrontations with law enforcement. CJNG competes with the Sinaloa Cartel for drug trafficking routes into the United States, but since the death of its founder, Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," in a military operation in February, several high-ranking CJNG members have been captured.
The newly arrested suspect, Rafael Alvarez, known as "R2," headed a cell involved in homicides, drug trafficking, and extortion of avocado industry businessmen. The drug organization operates in the states of Jalisco and Michoacan. Alvarez is also implicated in the murder of Carlos Manzo, a popular mayor known for his efforts to combat organized crime.
Manzo was killed a year ago during an operation to apprehend Alvarez, who was wounded during the same operation and is currently receiving medical care. The seizure of Alvarez was facilitated by information provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Additionally, 19 other individuals were arrested in connection with the operation, according to Mexico's Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.
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